25th Nov 2010, 14:56

Today I decided to go and have a look at a Saab 9-3 Vector Sport 120 Tid, it was a Black Horse Car Sales ex fleet car.

The pictures and description were quite impressive, for a vehicle a 57 plate with 77190 miles and at £7795.

On reading reviews online concerning quality of the build of the interior, I dismissed criticism of GM's Vectra comparison as harsh... in truth I have to say they are accurate, for the price the car retails at the plastics and fitment are cheap and flimsy.. I was honestly appalled as my 54 plate Golf TDI is much much better made in every way, having covered 78k in 6yrs, and still free of rattles and creaks, and at least the engine is not GM or Fiat based.

The only saving grace for Saab is the new taxation class as at 119gr/k mean it's £0 for 1st year, then £30pa after that, and it does not compete with Mercs VAG and BMW, a lot of £££'s will depreciate very quickly I think.

4th Dec 2008, 11:13

Based on my experience, I can't take this review seriously.

The writer complains of poor gas mileage and that the car is 2WD. Didn't you know that it was a front wheel drive vehicle when you bought it? As far as the gas mileage goes - my 2003 Saab 9-3 gets 28-30mpg on the highway - which I feel is very, very good.

As far as never buying a Saab - I would buy another one in a minute - but with GM's financial problems, I might not be able to in a few years.

I'll keep the one I have now for as long as I can, and hope than Saab survives the GM financial crisis.

2008 SAAB 9-3 from North America

Summary:

Faults:

First drive on highway revealed severe shaking. Returned to dealer for tire balance and alignment - cured the problem (question: how could the tires be that far our on a new car?).

Two weeks later the check engine light came on, returned to dealer, picked up next day. Driving home the check engine light came on again. Dealer kept it for a week, replaced several components. Check engine light came on again the following month. Dealer kept for 5 days, replaced more components.

Two weeks later passenger side window became stuck in "down" position. Returned to dealer, fixed same day. Check engine light came on again the following month, dealer kept for 5 days, replaced fuel injection components.

I insisted they call regional SAAB service for advice, as this was fourth service visit for the same problem. If the problem persists the car will qualify as a lemon under New York's new car lemon law (more that four unsuccessful repairs attempted of the same problem). I intend to return the car and receive a refund.

I will not express an opinion on the quality of SAABs. My experience stands on its own. I enjoy driving the car and it is very comfortable. Many great features too. Great gas mileage. But this will be my first and last SAAB. I have purchased or leased 12 new cars in the past 30 years, I have never returned any of them to a dealer for warranty work (mostly Honda, Toyota and VWs). Six service calls in 3 months for my new SAAB is beyond my comprehension.